Reading boss Brian McDermott has an almost fully-fit squad to choose from, with just two notable absences. Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (shoulder) is out, so Adam Federici will continue to deputise.

At the other end of the pitch, Jason Roberts (hip) remains sidelined, so Pavel Pogrebnyak is expected to start up front – the Russian striker was rested for the Royals' 4-0 FA Cup win over Sheffield United.

Chelsea are without Eden Hazard, who is serving a suspension for kicking a ballboy in the Capital One Cup; in the Belgian’s absence, Ryan Bertrand could be handed a starting berth on the left wing ahead of Marko Marin.

Nigerian duo Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel are both on Africa Cup of Nations duty, so remain unavailable for selection, while Oriol Romeu (knee) is the only long-term absentee.

John Terry started in the FA Cup against Brentford but is likely to return to the bench against Reading. David Luiz will not play, while Fernando Torres should keep his place up front after netting against the Bees.

Ross Turnbull is set to continue in goal following his appearance against Brentford, with Petr Cech (calf) still unavailable.

DID YOU KNOW?

Reading have lost just one of their last seven games in all competitions, and won their last four (scoring 12 goals along the way).

Only Leighton Baines (3.3) and David Silva (3) have played more key passes per game than Reading left-back Nicky Shorey (2.9). The 31-year-old (pictured) has also averaged more accurate crosses than any other player.

The Royals, who sit in 18th place in the league, are one of just five teams yet to have a player sent off this season.

No team has conceded more shots per game (18.2) than Brian McDermott's side.

Only QPR (zero out of two) have won fewer matches when leading at half-time than Reading (one out of six); Chelsea have won nine of the 12 matches in which they've led at the break.

Chelsea have not lost a league game against Reading since March 1930, and have won six of their last seven matches against the Royals in all competitions.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have been in good form on the road under Rafa Benitez, recording four away wins on the bounce in the Premier League.

No side has been awarded as many penalties (eight) as Chelsea; only Phil Dowd (eight) has pointed to the spot more times than Wednesday's referee Mark Halsey (six).

The Blues had to come from behind against Reading at Stamford Bridge, overhauling a 2-1 deficit to win 4-2.

Only Arsenal's Lukas Podolski (nine) has more Premier League assists than Chelsea's Juan Mata (eight); the Spaniard is also the Blues' joint-highest scorer in the league. Chelsea are 9/1 to win 3-0 with bet365.

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